MR. LESLIEsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether Government still intend to levy an assessment of £20,000 per annum on property at Hong Kong towards defraying the expense of maintaining the garrison there, and to lay upon the Table of the House Copies of all Correspondence with the local authorities, the Memorial of the resident community of Hong Kong, along with the reply of Her Majesty's Government relative to the proposed tax?
§ MR. CARDWELLsaid, in reply, that it was intended to adhere to the arrangement by which the Colony of Hong Kong was called on to pay the very reasonable contribution of £20,000 a year to its military and naval defence. If the hon. Member would move for the Papers, he (Mr. Cardwell) should be perfectly ready to give them.